Supergirl's Filming City: Where Is the Action Shot?

Ever wondered where the iconic Supergirl episodes are filmed? If you're a fan of the series, you might be curious about the city that plays host to Superman's cousin. Well, buckle up as we take you on a whirlwind tour of the city that brings Supergirl to life.

The answer to "what city is Supergirl filmed in" might surprise you. While the show's narrative is set in National City, a fictional metropolis, the filming takes place in a very real and picturesque location. So, where is Supergirl actually filmed?

Vancouver, British Columbia

Congratulations, you guessed it right! The visually stunning CW series is primarily shot in Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling city on the west coast of Canada serves as the perfect backdrop for National City, despite the fictional metropolis being located somewhere in the United States.

three different views of the same city from each other, including skyscrapers and buildings

an aerial view of skyscrapers in the city

the city is surrounded by tall buildings and skyscrapers in foggy weather, as well as grass

The decision to film in Vancouver is not without its merits. With its diverse landscapes and urban feel, it provides production teams with immense flexibility to recreate various settings. From the vibrant downtown to the historic Gastown, Vancouver offers an ample amount of locations to derive inspiration from.

Why Vancouver?

Vancouver's ability to double as a US city is one of the primary reasons the Supergirl production team chose it. The city's architecture and layout bear striking similarities to cities like New York, contributing significantly to the show's authenticity.

two tall buildings lit up at night with the word supergirl projected on it's side

four different pictures with the names of various buildings in each city, including skyscrapers and office buildings

Additionally, Vancouver's Canada Film and Television Production Tax Credit has proven instrumental in attracting numerous film and television productions. This financial incentive, coupled with the city's high-quality infrastructure, makes Vancouver an ideal filming location. Plus, the local crew base is incredibly skilled and experienced, making production smoother and more efficient.

Vancouver's Film and TV Industry

Vancouver's film and TV industry is a significant contributor to its economy. The city is often referred to as "Hollywood North," given its status as the third-largest film production center in North America, just behind Los Angeles and New York City.

With numerous successful TV shows and movies filmed here, such as The X-Files, Smallville, Deadpool, and The Twilight Saga, the Supergirl production team is in good company. Moreover, Vancouver's laid-back culture and stunning scenery tend to attract many repeat productions, keeping the city's film scene buzzing and vibrant.

two pictures with people standing in front of them and on the other side of an office building

two tall buildings are shown against the sky

The Iconic Locations of Supergirl Filming

The Supergirl production team has utilized various locations throughout Vancouver to bring National City to life. Some of these locations have become instantly recognizable to fans of the show.

For instance, The Village at False Creek acts as the location for National City's waterfront area. In contrast, the imposing structures of the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus serve as the exteriors for CatCo Worldwide Media, the firm run by the show's powerful media mogul, Cat Grant.

Islington Substation

A standout among Supergirl locations in Vancouver is the Islington Substation. This distinctive and futuristic-looking building frequently appears in the series as the DEO (Department of Extranormal Operations), an agency tasked with monitoring and protecting humanity from extraterrestrial threats.

two women walking past a bus on the street

an aerial view of a large city with tall buildings and clouds in the sky above

two pictures with the same caption in different languages, and one has an image of people

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Initially constructed as a power substation, this convirtiéndose en a popular attraction for Supergirl fans visiting Vancouver. The building's unique design provides an authentic sci-fi vibe, making it perfect for doubling as a high-tech government facility.

Bridge Studios

Although it might not be as glamorous as some of the other locations, Bridge Studios in Burnaby (a suburb of Vancouver) plays a critical role in Supergirl filming. Situated just over the bridge connecting Vancouver with the neighboring municipality of Burnaby, this sprawling studio complex serves as the primary shooting location for the show's interior scenes.

Bridge Studios boasts numerous sound stages and production offices, making it an ideal hub for the Supergirl production team. Moreover, the complex's vast exterior spaces often act as backdrops for various scenes, offering versatile opportunities for filming.

After exploring the captivating world of Supergirl filming, one can't help but be impressed by the city of Vancouver. Its versatility as a filming location has undoubtedly contributed to the success of the show, and we can't wait to see what other stories its stunning backdrop will help bring to life in the future. So, next time you tune in to Supergirl, take a moment to appreciate the real-world beauty of National City – Vancouver, British Columbia.